Plastic frame for a metal drain grate

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates generally to a drain channel and grate assembly comprising a drain channel together with a frame for a drain grate. The drain grate is a metal drain grate having a series of lateral spaced elongate drain bars interconnected by longitudinal spaced and transversely orientated load bars. The perimeter frame is configured to retain and substantially encase at least part of the perimeter of the drain grate. The perimeter frame comprises a first frame component which is detachably connected to a second frame component.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a national stage application of PCT/AU2011/000549, filed on May 12, 2011, which claims the benefit of and priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2010902470, filed on Jun. 4, 2012, the entire contents of which are each incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Certain known surface water drainage channels have traditionally been made of simple shaped concrete channels with fabricated metal grates laid onto a large flat land surface. With the change to plastic moulded channels and grates, more intricate designs have been devised to take advantage of the plastic materials characteristics. The grate to channel connection in plastics is relatively complex and does not easily allow for cost effective fabrication of metal instead of plastic grates. If metal grates are used it is possible to specifically machine a metal section to be welded to the metal grate to achieve an effective fit between the channel and grate. However, this possible solution is time consuming and thus expensive to fabricate and then assemble. Furthermore, it does not lend itself to large production runs.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates broadly to a perimeter frame for a drain grate. The disclosure also relates broadly to a drain channel or pit and grate assembly.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a perimeter frame for a drain grate, said perimeter frame comprising:

-   -   a first frame component including a first rail member having a         first elongate rail channel;     -   a second frame component including a second rail member having a         second rail channel, the second frame component detachably         connected to the first frame component whereby the rail channels         are together adapted to retain at least part of the perimeter of         the drain grate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a drain channel or pit and grate assembly comprising:

-   -   a first frame component including a first rail member having a         first rail channel, the first frame component being detachably         connected to a second frame component including a second rail         member having a second rail channel which together with the         first rail channel is adapted to retain at least part of the         perimeter of a drain grate; and     -   a drain channel or pit including at least a pair of opposing         lands being configured to removably receive the first and second         frame components, respectively, to support the drain grate.

In one embodiment, the first and second frame components each include a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented crossbars. In one such embodiment, the crossbars of the first and second frame components are connected to the respective first or second rail members and align for detachable connection with one another.

In one embodiment, the crossbars each include a male or a female component configured to connect with a female or a male component respectively, of a corresponding crossbar. In one such embodiment, the male component includes a resiliently flexible element arranged to releasably engage a recess of the female component of the corresponding crossbar. In one such embodiment, the male component includes a plug which together with the flexible element are arranged to releasably engage a socket and the recess of the female component of the corresponding crossbar.

In one embodiment, the first and second frame components each include an end bar arranged to interconnect with an aligned end bar of the corresponding frame component. In one such embodiment, the interconnected end bars are together adapted to engage the drain grate to prevent it sliding longitudinally. In one such embodiment, the interconnected end bars include a stepped rebate into which an integral end plate of the drain grate is received.

In one embodiment, the first and second frame components each include a key adapted to engage a keyway of the drain channel or pit for retention of the drain grate within said channel or pit. In one such embodiment, the key includes a barbed finger element.

Generally the perimeter frame is a moulded plastics perimeter frame.

Additional features and advantages are described in, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the present disclosure various embodiments of a perimeter frame for a drain grate together with a drain channel or pit and grate assembly will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drain channel and grate assembly of one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded perspective views of a perimeter frame and drain channel taken from the assembly of FIG. 1 viewed from above and below, respectively;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective and end views respectively of the perimeter frame and drain grate assembly taken from the drain channel and grate assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the perimeter frame taken from the assemblies of the preceding figures;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are assembly and exploded drawings respectively of a drain channel and grate assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B are the perimeter frame and drain grate shown in assembly and exploded, respectively, from the assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the example embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6B, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a drain channel and grate assembly 10 comprising a drain channel 12 together with a perimeter frame 14 for a drain grate 16. The drain grate 16 of this example is a metal drain grate having a series of laterally spaced elongate drain bars such as 18A and 18B interconnected by longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented load bars such as 20A and 20B (as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The drain grate 16 at each of its ends also includes an end plate such as 22A.

As best shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, the perimeter frame 14 is configured to retain and, in this example, substantially encase at least part of the perimeter of the drain grate 16. The perimeter frame 14 comprises a first frame component 26 which is detachably connected to a second frame component 28. Each of the first and second frame components 26 and 28 includes first and second rail members 30 and 32 having first and second rail channels 34 and 36, respectively. The rail channel 34 and 36 is configured to slidably receive opposing ends of the transverse load bars such as 20A and 20B of the drain grate 16 to retain it. The load bars such as 20A and 20B extend beyond the edge faces of the outermost drain bars such as 18A and 18M.

As best shown in the exploded views of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the perimeter frame 14 also includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented crossbars such as 40A and 42A connected to respective of the first and second rail members 30 and 32. In this embodiment, the cross member 40A connected to the first rail member 30 includes a male component in the form of a double prong fitting 44A.

The opposing and aligned crossbar 42A connected to the second rail member 32 includes a female component in the form of a socket fitting 46A. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the socket fitting 46A includes a recess 48A which is releasably engaged by a barbed finger element 49A of the double prong fitting 44A. In this embodiment, the crossbars such as 40A and 42A may alternate from a male fitting such as 40A to a female fitting such as 40B along the length of the rail member 30.

The illustrations of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B show the first and second frame components 26 and 28 clipped together about the perimeter of the drain grate 16. The drain grate 16 is secured in place by a combination of:

-   -   1. Ends of the load bars such as 20A and 20B being retained in         opposing first and second rail channels 34 and 36; and     -   2. The end plates such as 22A located outside the interconnected         crossbars 40A and 42A to prevent longitudinal movement of the         drain grate 16.

As best seen in FIG. 2A each of the crossbars such as 40A and 42A includes a stepped rebate such as 50A and 52A. The stepped rebate 50A and 52A slidably receives a lower edge portion of the end plate such as 22A.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the perimeter frame 14 but without the drain grate 16. It should be understood that the perimeter frame 14 ordinarily surrounds and retains the drain grate 16. However, the purpose of this illustration is to more clearly show all features of the perimeter frame 14 when assembled. For example, the first and second frame components 26 and 28 each include a plurality of keys such as 54A located along their outer face and adapted to engage a keyway such as 56 of the drain channel 12 (as see in FIG. 1). Furthermore, the drain channel 12 includes a pair of opposing lands such as 58 and 60 (as seen in FIG. 1) configured to removably receive the respective first and second frame components 26 and 28. Returning to FIG. 4, the perimeter frame 14 is shown longitudinally broken to indicate that it can be of practically any length appropriate to the application. Having said that, it is intended that the perimeter frame such as 14 will be provided in a modular form with for example standard lengths of around 333 mm (13.11 inches), 500 mm (19.69 inches), and 1 metre (39.37 inches).

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B illustrate an alternate embodiment of the perimeter frame for a drain grate. For ease of reference, components of this embodiment which generally correspond to the previous embodiment have been designated with the same reference numeral but for an additional “0”. For example, the perimeter frame of this embodiment has been designated as 140.

This alternate perimeter frame 140 is configured for use with a corner drain grate 160 and the associated corner drain channel 120. In this example, the first frame component 260 is generally square-shaped and includes:

-   -   1.A first right angled rail member 300 having a first rail         channel 340 about its inside perimeter for sliding engagement         and retention of the drain grate 160;     -   2. A pair of inner frame bars 102 and 103 each having a stepped         rebate such as 520 into which an end plate 220 is received;     -   3. A diagonally oriented crossbar 105 connected at opposing ends         to the first frame component 260 and an inner corner section         106;     -   4. A second frame component including a second right angled rail         member or corner clip fitting 280 having a second rail channel         360.

In assembling this alternate perimeter frame 140, the corner grate 160 is slid into the first rail channel 340 of the first frame component 260. The second frame component or corner clip fitting 280 is clipped onto the corresponding inner corner section 106. The inner corner section 106 includes a series of keyways such as 108 which are engaged by aligned barbed finger elements such as 109 of the corner clip fitting 280.

Now that several different embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in some detail it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the perimeter frame for a drain grate together with the drain channel or pit and grate assembly have at least the following advantages:

-   -   1. The perimeter frame can be moulded, cast or otherwise formed         to accommodate the drain grate and locate within drain channels         or pits moulded in relatively complex shapes;     -   2. The perimeter frame can be moulded, cast or otherwise formed         so that it is suited to relatively large production runs;     -   3. The perimeter frame in at least one form is relatively easy         to assemble clipping about to retain a drain grate;     -   4. The perimeter frame is at least in one form relatively easy         to install clipping into an associated drain channel or pit; and     -   5. The drain channel or pit and grate assembly of this         embodiment is retained in place avoiding theft and vandalism to         the drain grate and any associated components.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. For example, although the perimeter frame is described herein as moulded from plastic, such as a glass-filled nylon, it could equally be formed or fabricated from metal or other materials. Similarly, although the perimeter frame is suited to the metal drain grate, it could equally be used in conjunction with a plastics drain grate. The specific interconnection or clipping of the crossbars of the perimeter frame components of this example may vary from that described provided detachable connection is provided between the two components. The perimeter frame and drain grate could also be used with a drainage pit and is not limited to the drain channels described and illustrated.

All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present disclosure the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description. 

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A drain grate perimeter frame comprising: a first frame component including a first rail member having a first elongate rail channel; and a second frame component including a second rail member having a second rail channel, the second frame component detachably connected to the first frame component whereby the rail channels are together adapted to retain at least part of a perimeter of a drain grate.
 15. The drain grate perimeter frame of claim 14, wherein the first frame component and the second frame component each include a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented crossbars.
 16. The drain grate perimeter frame of claim 15, wherein the crossbars of the first and second frame components are connected to the first and second rail members, respectively, and align for detachable connection with one another.
 17. The drain grate perimeter frame of claim 16, wherein the crossbars each include a male or a female component configured to connect with a female or a male component, respectively, of a corresponding crossbar.
 18. The drain grate perimeter frame of claim 17, wherein the male component includes a resiliently flexible element arranged to releasably engage a recess of the female component of the corresponding crossbar.
 19. The drain grate perimeter frame of claim 18, wherein the male component includes a plug which together with the flexible element are arranged to releasably engage a socket and the recess of the female component of the corresponding crossbar.
 20. The drain grate perimeter frame of claim 14, wherein the first and second frame components each include an end bar arranged to interconnect with an aligned end bar of the corresponding frame component.
 21. The drain grate perimeter frame of claim 20, wherein the interconnected end bars are together adapted to engage the drain grate to prevent the drain grate from sliding longitudinally.
 22. The drain grate perimeter frame of claim 21, wherein the interconnected end bars include a stepped rebate into which an integral end plate of the drain grate is received.
 23. The drain grate perimeter frame of claim 14, wherein the perimeter frame is a moulded plastics perimeter frame.
 24. A drain channel or pit and grate assembly comprising: a first frame component including a first rail member having a first rail channel, the first frame component being detachably connected to a second frame component including a second rail member having a second rail channel which together with the first rail channel is adapted to retain at least part of a perimeter of a drain grate; and a drain channel or pit including at least a pair of opposing lands being configured to removably receive the first and second frame components, respectively, to support the drain grate.
 25. The drain channel or pit and grate assembly of claim 24, wherein the first and second frame components each include a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely oriented crossbars.
 26. The drain channel or pit and grate assembly of claim 25, wherein the crossbars of the first and second frame components are connected to the first or second rail members, respectively, and align for detachable connection with one another.
 27. The drain channel or pit and grate assembly of claim 26, wherein the crossbars each include a male or a female component configured to connect with a female or a male component, respectively, of a corresponding crossbar.
 28. The drain channel or pit and grate assembly of claim 27, wherein the male component includes a resiliently flexible element arranged to releasably engage a recess of the female component of the corresponding crossbar.
 29. The drain channel or pit and grate assembly of claim 28, wherein the male component includes a plug which together with the flexible element are arranged to releasably engage a socket and the recess of the female component of the corresponding crossbar.
 30. The drain channel or pit and grate assembly of claim 24, wherein the first and second frame components each include an end bar arranged to interconnect with an aligned end bar of the corresponding frame component.
 31. The drain channel or pit and grate assembly of claim 30, wherein the interconnected end bars are together adapted to engage the drain grate to prevent the drain grate from sliding longitudinally.
 32. The drain channel or pit and grate assembly of claim 31, wherein the interconnected end bars include a stepped rebate into which an integral end plate of the drain grate is received.
 33. The drain channel or pit and grate assembly of claim 24, wherein the first and second frame components each include a key adapted to engage a keyway of the drain channel or pit to retain the drain grate within said channel or pit.
 34. The drain channel or pit and grate assembly of claim 33, wherein the key includes a barbed finger element. 